Buddhism

Question 1

A major Eastern tradition which sprang from the life experience and teaching of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha.

Answer 1

Buddhism

Question 2

The Buddha, the highborn Prince of the Sakya clan in the kingdom of Magadha, who lived from 560 to 477 B.C.

Answer 2

Siddhartha Gautama

Question 3

Gautama’s life was devoted to sharing his ___.

Answer 3

“Dharma” or Law of Salvation; A simple presentation of the gospel of inner cultivation.

Question 4

The cultivations of Dharma

Answer 4

Of right spiritual attitudes, coupled with a self-imposed discipline whereby bodily desires would be channeled in the right directions.

Question 5

The teaching of Buddha has been set forth traditionally in the ___ leading to the ___.

Answer 5

Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path

Question 6

The perfect character that in turn gives assurance of entrance into Nirvana at death.

Answer 6

Arhatship

Question 7

The Four Noble Truths

Answer 7

1. Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
2. Suffering is caused by passionate desires, lusts, cravings.
3. In order to get rid of suffering, one has to get rid of desire.
4. There is a path that leads from suffering. (The Eightfold Path)

Question 8

Eradication of Desire may be accomplished only by following the Eightfold Path; (V, T, S, A, L, E, M, C)

Answer 8

Right:
1. View
2. Thought
3. Speech
4. Conduct/Action
5. Means of Livelihood
6. Effort
7.Mindfulness
8. Meditation/Concentration

Question 9

Five Precepts

Answer 9

1. Abstain from killing.
2. Abstain from stealing.
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. Abstain from lying.
5. Abstain from getting drunk or using illegal drugs.

Question 10

The way to salvation lies through __.

Answer 10

Self-abnegation (denial or abasement of oneself)

Question 11

Enlightened wisdom of complete selflessness

Answer 11

Nirvana

Question 12

First steps that one can take after reading, hearing and pondering Buddhist teaching;

Answer 12

1. Refrain from destroying life;
2. Refrain from taking what is not given;
3. Refrain from a misuse of the senses.

Question 13

Buddhists practice the four states of sublime condition;

Answer 13

Love, Sorrow for Others, Joy in the Joy of others and Equanimity (calmness and composure) as regards one’s own joy and sorrows.

Question 14

First Council at Rajagaha (ca. 477 B.C.)

Answer 14

About 500 disciples gathered and together recited and chanted the precepts now found in the Tripitaka.

Question 15

Second Council at Vesali (ca. 383 or 377 B.C.)

Answer 15

It was found desirable to make changes to ease the burden of Buddhist discipline.

Question 16

Third Council (245 B.C.)

Answer 16

Serious effort was made to reform and reorganize the Order and embarked upon a program of expansion.

Question 17

Buddha insisted on ___.

Answer 17

He insisted on freedom of thought and intellectual independence in following his teaching.

Question 18

Common Precepts to the 10 Commandments

Answer 18

Not to kill.
Not to steal.
Not to act in an unchase manner.
Not to speak falsely.
Not to take intoxicants.

Question 19

Theravada - The Way of Elders

Answer 19

Progress in the spiritual life is solely dependent on the individual. There is no grace or God to offer assistance. Self-reliance is the only asset. (Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia)

Question 20

Mahayanists - Grace abounds and everyone has access. Grace leads and compassion takes priority over wisdom and seeks aids to others.

Answer 20

Prayer, self-sacrifice, an afterlife, liturgy and calling on the name of Buddha for strength. (China, Korea, Japan and Tibet)

Question 21

Buddhist beliefs consistent with Christianity

Answer 21

Salvation is available to all
Selfish desire is the root of all evil
Morality and responsibility
Prayer and Self-Sacrifice (Mahayanists)
Grace (Mahayanists)
Self-control
Meditation
Charity and compassion

Question 22

Buddhist beliefs not seen in Christianity

Answer 22

Reincarnation/Karma
Lack of Grace/Theravada (attaining self-liberation through one’s effort)
Excessive self-reliance/Theravada
Image of God
Lack of Redemption